Improve Your audio For Gaming! || SoundBlaster G6 or X4 (PC & Consoles)

[@jandrofrags]

Man... this issue has been driving me so crazy for the past month and I'm surprised I only just stumbled upon this. I just bought an X4, after going through the exact same issue as you with the G6 on PC. I've had it for nearly 2 years and it seemed to start happening in the last few months, only getting worse. Barely touching the cable (which has been replaced already) causes the sound to cut out and then come back in. Calmly lifting it up, same thing. Reinstalling the firmware would briefly make it better, before it would quickly go back to being the most fragile thing in the world. Accidental bump of the desk? Accidental soft nudge of the USB cord? There it goes... lol brutal. Can't wait for the X4 to get here tomorrow. I have dt 990's too but I mostly use IEM's now (for gaming) so I think power wise I'll be set with the X4. Thanks for the video!

[@WhatsUpJ0SH]

How’s the x4… i’m thinking about purchasing it to use for my PS5 so I can use the chat mix option

[@AlexisyFR]

Same thing when I bought the G6 initially, I solved it by buying another USB A to Micro B cable, worked flawlessly since then

[@birdsoup777]

I own the x3 and the g6. I bought the g6 for the same reason. My x3 similar to your x4, has same issue with volume level to low at max. Once i got the g6, wow. more than enough volume

[@TechTosh]

Yes i went back to G6. Love this lil guy but wish it was USB-C and yeah, that extra volume is real nice with open back headphones.

[@dsmvelocity6]

The G6 issue happens to me sometimes when I switch from stereo to 7.1, all I do is go to my sound devices and switch to another audio output and then switch it back and it works every time.

[@Love-One-Another]

If those are high ohm headphones, that's problem number one. Nobody needs high ohm headphones for gaming, etc. Normal 32 ohm headphones work better on more equipment and sound the same. High Ohm doesn't mean better "quality." It just means it takes more power to drive the drivers. Nice review though.

[@Pika0294]

X4 has the better directional sound and better simulated 7.1 I still stick with my G6 however cause the X4 has a noticable white noise unless you mute the whole thing. At that price range totally unacceptable, glad amazon refunded me back but i got to keep the product now its just sitting in its box and i dont have any usage for it.

[@PrimeTrippin]

I had a Sound Blaster G6 that caused blue screens and made consoles just turn off

[@sl1ckr1ck63]

Have to mention it may not be loud because your using a 250ohm headset lol. It will be absolutely incredible for a normal headphone that’s not 250ohm.

[@AndreasRP.]

I got a 250 ohm headset (DT 1990 Pro) and it is plenty loud with the G6.

[@crazypapa9417]

There is a high gain setting to accompany the headphone with 150 ohm & up, works for me

[@djphilmiller1]

Hi, I’ve changed to the High Gain on the headphone 192 24 for DJing plenty loud enough now 👍I’m happy with the X4 can definitely hear the difference from my old SBX Sound Blaster. Great Video 👍

[@TechTosh]

Nice, what device are you speaking of? G6 or X4

[@djphilmiller1]

I never got the G6 i stuck with my SBX because of the Left/right out it worked well with my mixer and Speakers also so reliable but things move on so I jumped on the X4 after watching your video 👍 I don’t play games it’s just for Stereo music with my MacBook Pro 16”

[@TechTosh]

@djphilmiller1 oh OK nice, yeah the G6 has optical in/out but X4 is perfect for your situation then. I'm probably going to run the X4 for a little again after this conversation lol ...been a while. Appreciate the feedback 🙏

[@liewchengyeh]

i have a SB E5.... been serving me well over 5 years.... i really tempted to upgrade to SB X3 or X4.....

[@TechTosh]

If everything is working don’t upgrade till it’s needed. But x3 and x4 are very similar so get the one that’s cheaper

[@martinnagy5788]

is Creative Sound Blaster X4 a good pair with Audio-technica ATH-M50xBT2?

[@Nemesis_HEX]

x3 go to 32 bit x4 go to 24 bit btw the g6 is a monster because is have a hiress dac up to 130 db !

[@TechTosh]

Yeah i went back to using the G6 as it just has more power for my headset. Just wish it was usb-c

[@AMDRyzenXD]

Problem with Sound Bl;aster X G6 is that he switch off in USB 2.0 port You need try in port USB 3.2 . In my case it is OK but I have hear i little crack once in a while.

[@Haddley333]

3:04 I've read that ppl have problems with USB audio when playing games that have Denuvo - anti piracy software

[@Bemx2k]

Everything depend on which usb you are using , I got the same problem . You need to check one by one all usb on your motherboard .

[@jasonemanuel9070]

I've been using my G6 for over 3 years now,about four months ago I had the same issue,I got sick of unplugging it,I deleted & reinstalled all my sound device drivers plus the same with my G6 software,in the past three months I haven't had to unplug it once & I game most nights.

[@crzz1]

now what i buy. I prefer the x4 over the g6 because it carries usb c and the design liked it a bit but you say the g6 more powerful than x4 if both make the dt990 pro 250ohm work at full power

[@TechTosh]

Those are the exact reasons why I got the x4 (usb-c & looks nicer) but yes the g6 will make the dt990 a little loud as it has more power to do so. I’m not a soundaligoust so I can’t give a explanation on why but they are both great devices to get started

[@crzz1]

@@TechTosh So what do you suggest I take the x4 because it is the best design and works with usb c and for me these are good advantages, or take the g6 because it is more powerful, is it worth the power difference to give up the x4

[@DanTheman-or2ye]

Would it make a difference if it were usb-c? Like better audio quality or something.

[@Jake-0011]

@@DanTheman-or2ye no its purely a power source

[@darknesschilled]

How would this work on a ps5..? Would it be plug n play..? What about its software..? Want to use it for the optical out for my 5.1 setup..

[@TechTosh]

Yes it is plug and play. I would go for the G6 for console use personally. I believe you might be able to save a presets on PC for it to work on console. Not 100% as i use on PC only.

[@darknesschilled]

@@TechTosh im not sure if its the same as pc.. but what if i were to plug this into a powered usb hub.. would it have any input lag..?

[@TechTosh]

@@darknesschilled i wouldn't recommend it for PC. I would believe it to be the same for console. I would free up a port for it to be safe.

[@darknesschilled]

@@TechTosh the thing about the ps5.. we have very limited ports.. but guess if i want the 5.1 optical i would 1st need to get a m.2 2tb installed in the PS so i can do away with the external drive.. that would free up a port.. well... this is getting to be an expensive project

[@LyuboA]

yes you can save a PC on the SBX button and enable it on console on G6

[@saulmichel8164]

Same problem with me gets annoying when I unplug it and plug it back in and my game freezes or crashes the game

[@iAm_OGGO]

Great vid bud. Having trouble finding good settings for warzone. Specifically footsteps. I messed around with my settings for now and they’re doing just fine, but if I can have better lol I’ll take it. Do you have any you used to use? Or currently still use? Thanks bud!

[@iAm_OGGO]

Also-I’m on pc and have a g6.

[@Jiruhba]

@@iAm_OGGOdid you find good settings ?

[@Pip3Bomb]

Hi, a question: on Ps5 better set them to Stereo - PCM Linear, sbx off or on? Or Dolby 7.1 - Dolby Bitstream, sbx off or on? Thank you

[@rje6555]

I'ed like to know the answer to this as well. Based on creative website the X4 does not support Virtual 7.1 / 5.1 on PS4. Did anyone check this if there is a big difference using Virtual 7.1 / 5.1 on console vs PCM?

[@stuart3712]

My G6 died on me today, sound popped loudly and the unit died, no power. Mine would cut out and not be detected also, its because of the Micro USB. Micro USB has this issue because its a poorly designed and faulty plug so no idea why they used it and not the USB-C when USB-C had been out before the G6 came out. My old cheap amazon tablet that came out before the G6 is USC-C and i was $80, $50 on sale.

[@loboptlu]

Have the g6 for a few years and honestly the sound quality is so much better than the x4 and others that the usb c is absolutely of no whatsoever importance , i even refused the g5 with the c due to the simply far better quality , usb c is of absolutely no importance if you care about sound quality. Oh and loud doesn't mean quality

[@TechTosh]

Yeah I've switched back to the G6 because of that same reason. The x4 isn't bad and it looked better for a desk set up. But the difference between the two when playing my games with hearing foot steps and other audio cues the G6 is just better.

[@loboptlu]

@@TechToshBtw have the 990 headphones too with 600 ohms and works great

[@TheAtkinson118]

I've just got the G6 and a pair of DT990 pros just for the hell of it LOL 🤣... I was very happy with my Steelseries artic Nova pro wireless.. But "BUT HOLY SHI*"..This set-up is Amazing Honestly.. I've had some spare money and I've been playing around with my gaming room..and I thought I'd dive down the Rabbit hole of the Audiophiles..These are Sooo next level I didn't think it was possible..I was Really happy with my Steelseries as well... I've always had Astros before that.. This has opened up a can of worms because I know my headset (as good as it is)is on the cheaper side of Audiophiles and the G6...How good can it get??? Really happy with my purchase,and will bring my gaming to life that little bit more.."AMAZING"

[@loboptlu]

@@TheAtkinson118. Hi how many ohms you have , have the same with the 600 ohm version of the 990 and thats superb. P.s.: the 770 ,same as 990 but fully closed is used for hearing tests so good are the drivers on them.

[@TheAtkinson118]

@@loboptlu hi..I think mine are only 250 ohms...is that right??..Do they vary that much? Don't get me wrong I'm over the moon with mine.. but now I've gone down the Rabbit hole I know what I'll be buying all through 2024 LOL 🤣... I'll have lot's of Headphones and amps now...I really never knew there was that much difference!!

[@roboticsavage]

Probably a little late for a reply, but for the g6 can I just plug and play right out the box without updating it? Only have ps5 and don’t have a way to update it.

[@TechTosh]

Yeah plug and play for console users.

[@roboticsavage]

@@TechTosh tysm

[@xx_theunbrokenones_xx7902]

Does this work well with astro a50? Full 7.1 Dolby audio with no restriction to hdmi 2.1 advantages. And does the G6 still keep the microphone quality as well

[@TechTosh]

Idk that’s a good question 🙋‍♂️

[@TechTosh]

As far as can they power them? Then most definitely as the G6 will power most “ohms demanding headsets”but I have never owned those headsets so I have no experience with them.

[@princesmith8008]

@@TechTosh Hey there, I have a SoundblasterX G6 and I wanted a great pair of all-round headphones to combine it with. I'm extremely confused between the Fidelio X2HR and TYGR 300R, I don't know which one to choose so I was hoping that you could help me. Here are my requirements: First of all, I don't care about competitive gaming (multiplayer/online fps) at all. I only play single player, story-based games (like God of War, Red Dead etc) and I like watching movies as well. So basically, what I'm looking for is *IMMERSION* above all else. Any suggestions?

[@pauloaugustoechevarrianieto]

using the DT770 Pro, do you reckon that the G6 is the better buy? Playing on PC.

[@TechTosh]

Yeah, G6 is honestly the better buy. It’s a little more powerful and shit ton of features. Plus the software is better than say the X4. Just wish it was usb-c

[@Nave-be4jd]

@@TechTosh Did you use high or low gain for DT770?

[@TechTosh]

@@Nave-be4jd high when playing certain games

[@Nave-be4jd]

@@TechTosh Thanks. By the way, did you use high gain of g6 when you compare the power between the two devices?

[@TheMrx1983]

my g6 is sometimes not even detected by windows. i then also have to replug. disabling fast boot helped a bit for this problem.

[@TechTosh]

Definitely annoying but when it's working it's working well, for me. It would just happen at the worst times for me that I wanted to try the X4. I think I might go with a stack since I'm primarily PC

[@scarstruck85]

Literally went to reddit to find out a solution to this. Almost everytime I boot up PC the G6 needs to be unplugged then reconnected as it isn't detected.

[@TechTosh]

@@scarstruck85 damn you got one of the bad ones too! Yeah, obviously make sure driver are good. Check if a new cable will do better. Make sure your default sound on PC isnt the issue. Change usb port's the G6 is plugged into whether 2.0 or 3+ port. After all that then return and get a new device lol 😆

[@scarstruck85]

@@TechTosh Not tested but could it have something to do with windows power options? There’s a setting called ‘USB selective suspend’ which governs if power is still supplied to USB ports when pc is turned off. Possibly with this setting it might effect the G6.

[@toolanddie9789]

I only play warzone. I have a ifi zen amp and a zen dac with hifiman edition xs open back planar magnetic headphones. Would I hear footsteps better with the dt 1990 pro?

[@vitod7034]

DT 1990 pro would give you much better spacial awareness than any planar magnetic headphones. You can pinpoint where the footsteps are coming from. Yes the DT 1990 Pro are great for Warzone. Another great option is Sennheiser HD560S. The best are Senheiser HD800S if you can swing it though. I have tried over 20 high end headphones and these are my top 3 for fps games.

[@toolanddie9789]

@@vitod7034 thank you

[@ianmcsherry5254]

I have the Sennheiser HD 560s, using them with the ifi Zen Dac V2. Excellent sound in game, and with music playback. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for. Only issue is no mic port on the ifi, and no mic on the Sennheisers. I've started playing shooters again after a long absence, so I'm looking at adding a mod mic to stick on the Sennheisers, and a second hand gaming DAC, like a Creative with a mic port. I'll keep the ifi Zen for listening to music.

[@BTN454]

@@vitod7034have u tried epos h6pro open back?

[@arlopull5565]

I use a expensive soundboard and sub hooked to my pc. Will the X4 work with my soundbar and sub (I use the sub to the soundbar bluetooth)

[@TechTosh]

Yes, but I use software to separate my audio. So that when I’m gaming my audio goes to my headset but then I can change it back to my sub and speakers when I want. But they aren’t both playing audio at the same time. But that’s how I have it set up.

[@divyenjoshi1168]

What adapters do I need to use the g6 properly on the PS5? It doesn't work properly just via USB.

[@joshmarriott-dc2kb]

what if you don’t have anything to update the sound blasters like a pc or laptop. can you just use it for ps5 and will it work fine without the updates

[@crzz1]

What do you think of fiio k5 pro compared to g6 and x4

[@TechTosh]

So I’m not a professional soundologest to give a good comparison but the one difference I noticed is support with software like the g6 & x4 …. If you care about creating profiles and such. Also no support for mic in/out puts. The fiio will support everything as far as headphones up to 600ohm but for the price per value I’d still give it to the x4 and G6

[@mattsadovsky2391]

I have G6 and yes, having some issue with it under windows 11. Is there any difference in sound and performance if you plug in IEM? I would love to see how X5 performs....

[@NintenPizza]

I'd be content with the Soundblasterx G6, if it weren't for the glowing white lite emitting beneath the volume dial. There doesn't seem to way to turn it off. Plus, the knob itself doesn't have an arrow to indicate how high the volume is, and it's very finicky. Negatives aside, the Sound is great, after EQing my DT770's. But I'd like to upgrade to a DAC without any tacky glowing lights and a good volume dial. Any recommendations?

[@rockabillly88]

RGBTEK 192khz DAC

[@JoseRuiz-ff3zb]

I have been having problems with the G6, it turns off from one moment to the next and then turns on, I bought a new USB cable and it happens the same and I changed the USB port and it remains the same, it is in its most recent firmware.

[@DeaD1te]

possible its timing out the usb? might need to use it in one usbport and have that port set to never shut off for power saving... only thing i can think of, have a g6 on its way to me atm, hopefully i wont have audio issues with it

[@TechTosh]

Someone else in the comments said the same thing. I haven't tested that theory but ive had this issue happen at boot-up so i dont think that would happen on first start up..... then again its worth a shot to test

[@TechTosh]

But yeah good luck, if all is well then your in for some good audio long as you have the headphones for it

[@worstenbroodje6832]

How are you liking the G6?

[@DeaD1te]

@@worstenbroodje6832 loving it tbh, very good range of presets, i dont game now without it

[@Arshiq_]

@@DeaD1tedo u have any issue with it?

[@hakunamyfapa]

does it work with small speakers like 150WAT >?

[@DakotahDunham]

Would you recommend these for Philips Fidelio x3

[@Klongu_Da_Bongu]

Yes, I have them too. Will help your other headphones too, like for example my cloud 2. Go for this or Schitt hel/fula.

[@yogi8000]

Stop buying sound cards, invest in nail clippers.

[@TechTosh]

No they’re handy when needed. Thanks for the advice though, your a legend!

[@frenchbeluga7055]

Which is recommended for series x and how do these compare to gc7

[@TechTosh]

Not familiar with the gc7 but for consoles I would go with the G6 as it’s more suitable for them.

[@frenchbeluga7055]

@@TechTosh alright thx bro

[@TechTosh]

@@frenchbeluga7055 no problem homie! 🤘

[@LyuboA]

i have 4 G6 units for the past 3 years never had any issues with any of them

[@TechTosh]

Damn homie why have you had 4 of them? Lol but its a great device and would still recommend it for sure.

[@ProgrammingWithOsku]

Dose it has mic effects sound like revarbs and echo

[@TechTosh]

Don’t believe so .. at least out of the box 📦

[@worstenbroodje6832]

You said you didn't use the mic port yourself but I'm really curious about the sidetone/ mic monitoring on these. I heard the G6 could have some delay issues so it would be better to get a X3 or X4. But if that is not the case I'd prefer the G6.

[@TechTosh]

Yeah I honestly never used the monitoring on these guys. But i can’t imagine it could be that much delayed. If that isn’t a problem then I would recommend the G6 as well.

[@axelrivas2914]

What about the Soundblaster GC7 vs those two ??

[@axelrivas2914]

Another question how you used the wave link with the soundblaster??

[@TechTosh]

So i haven’t personally used the GC7 but I definitely was looking at it when I was searching and forgot what it was that made me not go for it, I believe it’s weaker in terms of powering headphones compared to the other two I think.. but I did like the look of it. As far as the wave link I just have it setup to where I can switch my audio to go through my headphones or speakers separately. Absolutely love the software for separating my audio.

[@thak594]

Which is best for audiophiles

[@TechTosh]

Probably neither of these then if your a true audiophile head but if you have a powerful headset for those audiophile then I would say the G6

[@thak594]

@@TechTosh iam having sennheiser hd600

[@TechTosh]

@@thak594 G6 will power them better

[@Anton_Zh]

I've been listening to headphones for a month now from this sound card ... I didn't see any difference from the built-in AC97 sound card)) it should cost half as much)).

[@TechTosh]

Usage will vary based on the headset your using. If it’s just a basic style headphone then they won’t provide the power aka OHM to give you that better quality. For instance my DT 990 pros have 250ohm

[@Anton_Zh]

@@TechTosh I'll try

[@zig3c]

Don't know what is the point of this video , title has "G6 vs X4" but i think that haven't seen any real comparison between these two, its focused on G6 issue and its power. If you have an issue like you have with G6 than the only solution is to buy a DAC/headphone amp that can make 250 ohm headphones loud. Majority of people are on 32-150 ohm headphones and X4 has too much power for these. For that video better tittle would be: Should i buy Sound blaster G6 /X4 or Anything else for 250+ ohm HPs? , because it clear as day that G6 is the only one in their line up with that amount of power. But huh, animations are nice.

[@TechTosh]

You do have a point...I didn't want to go into the specs so much since they are very similar in performance besides the g6 haveing more power. And they both work as intended so it was more to see them side by side and give my opinion on each lol sorry to be misleading I guess...

[@ValentinVoronin89]

X5 is better for gaming?

[@TechTosh]

Can’t really speak on it as I have not used it but it looks to be good idk if it’s better though

[@brodytreible6015]

Does the G6 connect to ps5

[@TechTosh]

Yes, that would be the one i recommend for console users

[@2Guapo]

Via USB only

[@CUMMNurWAY2]

@@2Guapo would you know if the mic voice chat works via the PS5. Being as though it no longer supports optical..I would prefer a amp dac stack actually..

[@Papinegri2442]

Work for Xbox ?

[@TechTosh]

Yes sir

[@siviplay2436]

asus ROG Clavis ?

[@TechTosh]

Yes

[@Anton_Zh]

I don’t know what this sound card is for... for a music lover it’s bad even if you listen to flac format with raised equalizer settings.. SXFI mode makes the sound like in a box. I don’t know who might like it. simple cheap equalizer settings. For this money, it should sound like a tube amplifier and there should be not simple equalizer presets in effects, but full-fledged environment adjustments

[@TechTosh]

Well for me and others I’ve spoke to, use this mainly for PC or console gaming. You still need the right headset of course but it’s night and day difference for gaming for sure compared to a basic gaming usb headset. Yes, honestly most of those modes are garbage but I don’t use them especially not to listen to music.

[@Anton_Zh]

@@TechTosh we got caught again in marketing))) as on an iPhone)))

[@indorr]

how can you call dt990 pros audiophile?man..wake up already

[@TechTosh]

Lol I’m awake thanks 🙏 And i say audiophile in a sense they are open-back style that need an amp/dac to power up and get way better audio then you would from any gaming or basic headphones. The fact it bothers you that much i used that word for an entry level audiophile style headset shows you need better things to be concerned about…. Wake up 🤪

[@Phininx]

nothing wrong with a dt990 pro. Its a fine headphone for its price.

[@Anton_Zh]

its price is 40 dollars

[@sunefrodi]

G6 is crap! Software headache

[@Lollipoptoppop12]

Bot

[@RyuzenTV]

İ'm Just Play MMORPG Games. footsteps are not important for me. I need better Nature Sounds in Games. So I Just Wanna Listen Music and Not Using Mic. Which is better for me ? G6 vs X3 vs X4 ? (G6 have 32bit mode really ? Should I choose 32-bit sound quality myself?)

[@TechTosh]

Overall the G6 provides the best quality in my opinion but the X4 is still good quality though. Idk much about x3 but they will all provide better quality then not having an amp/Dac long as you have supported headphones to get the quality out of these devices.

[@RyuzenTV]

​@@TechTosh Thanks for answer. I wanna buy G6 for my "DT 770 Pro 250ohm". I hope the G6 gives my headphones enough power and good sound quality.

[@100.streamsnipe]

Hello! Which headphones is better to use with this card? I would buy Razer blackshark v2x, but im not sure. Really I want to use it most in games

[@TechTosh]

Are you PC or console? Because that will determine if you need a mic headset or not

[@100.streamsnipe]

@@TechTosh Hi, PC, mic is not important for me

[@100.streamsnipe]

@@TechTosh and, this card have problems with AMD? (I have AMD GPU and CPU)

[@TechTosh]

@@100.streamsnipe no problems with amd. Headset can vary biased on your price rage but my favorite and personal experience is with the DT990 Pro by beyerdynamic

[@joshmarriott-dc2kb]

what if you don’t have anything to update the sound blasters like a pc or laptop. can you just use it for ps5 and will it work fine without the update

[@TechTosh]

Yes it will still work